Who We Are
20FIFTY Partners is a purpose-led organisation that has been driving awareness and action on the climate and sustainability agenda. Together, with governments, agencies and enterprises, we are on a journey, delivering world class research and sustainability programmes that support long term resilience, operational excellence and helping to create a more sustainable planet, for us all.
We specialise in helping businesses and their teams to transition towards more sustainable outcomes in business. Working collaboratively with partners and clients, we create compelling programmes to address sustainability, digital and climate resilience challenges for organisations, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in an evolving landscape.
Overview
Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Shared Services will oversee and manage teams across the shared services unit including Financial, HR and Data Security operations. They have overall responsibility for the delivery and performance of all allocated workstreams and transactional processes. Their role focuses on the coordination of the operations of the centre, and they are accountable for ensuring that it achieves agreed service levels and compliance with established policies, funding agreements and performance standards.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include overseeing service delivery and day-to-day operations of the unit, ensuring that all agreed service levels are met and procedures are followed. This involves establishing priorities and creating schedules of main activities, as well as overseeing the delivery of multi-disciplinary programmes and services.
Services must be reviewed and monitored regularly to identify problem areas and report on risks, key performance indicators and proposed corrective action. New work methods and procedures will need to be implemented and existing procedures subject to a process of continuous improvement.
Staffing must equally be planned to ensure smooth running of the unit, which includes appropriate recruitment and supervision of staff, including performance management and development.
The role also holds responsibility for measuring and monitoring the performance of external support providers and will be involved in assessing commercial relationships.
Financial Operations (Execution & Control)
* Manage daily accounting and financial reporting processes.
* Ensure timely processing of payments, invoices, payroll, and reconciliations.
* Track expenditure against budgets and escalate variances.
* Maintain compliance with statutory reporting and audit requirements.
* Supervise finance staff to ensure accuracy and timeliness of deliverables.
Human Resource Operations (People & Compliance)
* Oversee day-to-day HR administration including recruitment, onboarding, and exit processes.
* Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits administration, and leave management.
* Implement performance management cycles and monitor compliance with HR policies.
* Address employee relations issues and grievances promptly.
* Ensure all employment law, health, and safety regulations are complied with at all times.
Procurement Operations (Efficiency & Value for Money)
* Oversee procurement requests, approvals, and purchase order processing.
* Ensure vendor selection follows organisational policies and delivers value for money.
* Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
* Maintain proper documentation for procurement audits and compliance.
IT, Data & Security (Systems & Support)
* Oversee the organisation's IT systems and infrastructure to ensure reliability and security.
* Manage day-to-day IT support to ensure minimal downtime and quick resolution of technical issues.
* Coordinate with IT providers and vendors to maintain hardware, software, and networks.
* Ensure data protection, cybersecurity, and compliance with relevant IT regulations.
* Support the implementation of new technologies and systems that improve operational efficiency.
Operational Oversight & Team Management
* Supervise finance, HR, procurement and IT activity to ensure daily tasks are completed.
* Monitor departmental KPIs and report performance to senior leadership.
* Troubleshoot operational issues quickly and implement corrective measures.
* Standardise and enforce policies, SOPs, and internal controls.
The Person
Excellent collaboration and drive are essential for this role as the Head of Shared Services will need to lead an internal team to meet demanding deadlines. They will also have to liaise with the external clients and stakeholders. Within the insight capabilities, strong project control and good governance will also be key to success in this role.
Technical expertise will be required including a proven track record in Financial Control, Standards Compliance, Financial and Technical Audits, Business Process and Manual Development and Data Security.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified Accountant and or Higher Degree in Business Management, Administration, or related areas.
* Experience of Internal audit and External financial audit.
* High attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
* Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Proficiency in ERP/finance/HR systems.
* Strong organisational and process management skills.
* Hands-on leadership with the ability to resolve daily operational issues.
* Experience of educational quality assurance and compliance is highly desirable.